The New York Giants traded up within the first spherical of final yr’s NFL draft to pick out Maryland cornerback Deonte Banks. Although most specialists noticed Banks as a Day 2 decide, basic supervisor Joe Schoen felt so strongly about him that they had been keen to do what it took to not lose him.
Banks performed 74 % of the defensive snaps as a rookie final yr — greater than another Giants nook — ending fifth on the workforce in tackles (64), first in passes defensed (11- tied with Xavier McKinney), and recorded two interceptions.
PFF on Deonte Banks:
Banks’ diploma of issue was as excessive as any cornerback in soccer, because the Giants usually performed him in shadow protection towards opponents’ greatest receivers.
He improved in his last 5 video games, permitting not more than 40 yards in any of them. pic.twitter.com/ywvRDQZlxF
— Gridiron Media (@Gridiron_Media_) January 10, 2024
On Thursday, on the Giants’ ninth OTA of their offseason program, head coach Brian Daboll spoke about Banks heading into 12 months 2.
“Clearly he performed lots for us final yr. Appreciated him popping out of the College of Maryland. He’s one other man like (Jalin) Hyatt when it comes to the extra he performs, the extra comfy he’s gotten,” Daboll stated. “He’s enjoying some various things right here with our new protection, however he’s completed a very good job I might say all through the OTAs as effectively.”
Final yr, Banks was entrusted with shadowing the opponents’ prime extensive receivers, an project normally reserved for extra established and completed veteran corners. He’s as much as the problem.
“I like that. I shadowed just a few receivers final yr,” Banks advised reporters this week. “I adopted CeeDee (Lamb) in our second recreation, and I additionally adopted (Garrett) Wilson.”
When requested if he noticed that as a praise, Banks rapidly stated, “Sure, for positive.”
However that was final yr in coordinator Wink Martindale’s scheme. The Giants have a brand new coordinator in Shane Bowen this season and it’s unsure if he’ll deploy Banks in the identical style.
“I wouldn’t say I anticipate it, but when it occurs, it occurs. I’m cool with no matter,” Banks stated earlier than outlining the nuances.
“Most likely enjoying not as aggressive. It’s nonetheless aggressive, however simply not as aggressive. A little bit bit extra zone. I assume you can say that… I actually nonetheless have the identical accountability. I’m nonetheless urgent, nonetheless up shut on the man. It doesn’t actually change that a lot.”
Irrespective of how the Giants select to make use of Banks, they’ve confidence in him holding down his facet of the sphere. Additionally they are exhibiting confidence of their different younger corners, corresponding to Cor’Dale Flott, Tre Hawkins III, and rookie Andru Phillips, who will compete for jobs in coaching camp this summer time.
“Yeah, good competitors,” stated Daboll. “Seems good. Jerome (Henderson) is doing a very good job with these guys. They’re enhancing each day. It is going to be good to get out right here in a month for coaching camp and get the pads on and allow them to compete it out.”
